First gun, willing to spend up to $250 with very few choices in my country

[vslavov]

Hi guys! I recently got into shooting air rifles (few buddies of mine got rifles and I've been using theirs) and I think I'm ready to buy my first gun, maybe you can help me? Problem is, I live in Bulgaria and we get very few choices. I am willing to spend up to the equivalent of $250 and this is pretty much everything that's available here for this price:

Gamo Shadow IGT - $240
Gamo CFX (non-Royal, I don't think that would bother me) - $240
CROSMAN Quest 800X - $160
Hatsan 125 Sniper - $220
Hatsan Model Torpedo 155 - $230
Hatsan Model Torpedo 150 - $190
HATSAN Mod. 135 XRD - $230
HATSAN Mod. 135 SP - $190
Diana 21 5,5mm - $140  (I've heard really good stuff about Diana, that's why I included this gun even though it's in a different price range)
PS: Diana 240 - $240 (specs seem really low on this one?)
Slavia 634 - $240

At first, I was set on the Shadow IGT as one of my friends got it (and it's the best one in the group, all others are sub $100) and I was impressed with the IGT system, seems to me it's so easy to shoot accurately. But then, an acquaintance of mine told me it not worthy and I should get the CFX which is a much better rifle in his words. Few days later, I went to reddit and saw they really hate Gamo, so I managed to find those other brands in a local store and now I have no idea which gun I should get. xD

I'll usually be shooting at cans and pests at around 10 to 30 meters (almost the same in yards), sometimes 50. I am willing to sacrificy a teeny bit of accuracy for power.

Cheers!

PS: All guns are 5,5mm

[oldnamvet]

I would start by looking at the reviews given on pyramyd air's website.  You get a wider range of opinions than from a friend.

[Privateer]

I had a 125 Hatsan Sniper with the Nitro Piston. If it's the vortex Gas Ram? I'd get one in .22
I'd then do a tear down and seal change, de-burr, lube tune.
I had the .25 and could take a neck off a beer bottle at 75 yards.
I takes time to learn this beast but it is no joke of a Gun!

[vslavov]

I would start by looking at the reviews given on pyramyd air's website.  You get a wider range of opinions than from a friend.

The customer reviews, right? I found some for the CFX, Torpedo 155, 135 XRD and Diana 240, most of them are pretty much saying "this gun is great" and I am not sure how to decide between them.

I had a 125 Hatsan Sniper with the Nitro Piston. If it's the vortex Gas Ram? I'd get one in .22
I'd then do a tear down and seal change, de-burr, lube tune.
I had the .25 and could take a neck off a beer bottle at 75 yards.
I takes time to learn this beast but it is no joke of a Gun!

I am not sure. AFAIK I can't post a link to the retailer here, so I'll just copy the info (sorry for making it a long post):

Air Rifle Hatsan 125 Sniper 4.5 / 5.5 / 6.35 mm is - the new version of the model of Hatsan very high initial rate of 380/305/230 m / s respectively caliber 4.5 / 5.5 / 6.5 mm.
Hatsan 125 Sniper is accurate rifle barrel Articulated great lengths for easier loading and is equipped with manual / automatic fuse and "Anti bear-trap" safety loading.

Ergonomic synthetic stock, convenient for lefties in that has rubber inlays for better grip when shooting.
The stock has adjustable height nabuznika such regulation is very fast and easy as a dime.
Hatsan 125 Sniper is integrated TRIOPAD® butt system for maximum absorption of the recoil, and adjust the length of the stock.
Mikroreguliruem sight with fiber optic front sight and an open type with fiber optics. Hatsan 125 Sniper comes with a bipod and strap.

Air Rifle Hatsan 125 is available in gauges 4.5 / 5.5 / 6.35 mm. The price for the three caliber is the same !!!

Specifications:

Caliber: 4.5 / 5.5 / 6.5 mm
Velocity: 380/305/230 m /
Weight: 4.1 kg
Length: 1240 mm
Barrel length: 500 mm
Source: Spring
Facility:
Break barrel
Steel tube
Rifle barrel
Stock:
Synthetic
Hindsight:
String and sight with fiber optic fibers

I am not sure if I'll be comfortable with making modifications on my very first gun, at least the first few months.

[Privateer]

Any of the Hatsans I would tear down. I've seen and documented the possible issues as have others.
Most will tell you it's worth it.
The Crosman's I like with some work.
Never had a Gamo so I can't say anything about them. Not that I ain't tried to buy a few.
Same with all the other Brands you listed.

[vslavov]

I found one more model, the Norica Dream Hunter priced at $220. Can anyone give a decisive answer on which is the best gun for a newbie shooter out of the ones available?

[Rocker1]

I  do not know the difference in your dollar and ours but your prices are better than ours.  Are these new air guns you have priced there?? David

[Rocker1]

Jeez your dollars is worth more than our dollar 1 of yours is 67 cents of ours.  David

[wimpanzee]

Hello reddit friend!

[vslavov]

Jeez your dollars is worth more than our dollar 1 of yours is 67 cents of ours.  David

We use lev (BGN), I've converted the BGN prices to USD.

Hello reddit friend!

Hi!

[AudiS4]

I bought my Hatsan 95 from Bulgaria, and that would be my advise to you as well. Bought it from Arms.bg and also gota Vortex ram, to convert it.

Would love to get my hands on a barrel from the 135 XRD

[vslavov]

gota Vortex ram, to convert it.

I have no idea how this works and I am pretty sure I won't be doing any modding in the coming months. Would you recommend the 95 over the 125? I think I'm gonna get the 125 sniper edition (because of the optic and moderator)

PS: I also found a replica of the Diana air king 54 - a Bam 21 for $175, what about this one?

[Bullit]

Valentin,  Do you have power restrictions (ie  12FPE) where you live?  Many do, without buying the certificate.   The CFX is very good,  and very accurate. Hunts well at your ranges.  I have used the CFX for years, in .177, and it puts the pellet right where I need it. Real Easy to master, and shoot.

[vslavov]

The law says anything above 24J has to be registered, but I think I've only seen 1 or 2 springers above that limit, so all the guns in this thread don't require registration.